It was a war-like situation as the Fascist forces were advancing towards Ebro. Our narrator was in the charge to cross a pontoon bridge to check the advancement of the enemy forces. Carts, trucks and people were crossing the bridge to get to a safe distance from the enemies. But he saw that the old man in dusty clothes was sitting there at the roadside for a long time. He seemed to be to tired to walk further. So, the narrator was worried that the man might get killed unless he gets to a safe distance.